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How to Help Your Child Through a Tragedy

Natalie Clark - Thursday, February 22, 2018

How to help your child through a tragedy

Tracey Bratton, LCSW

School shootings have become a major worry for children and youth across the nation. It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with your child
to help him/her feel safe and secure when tragedy strikes. They look to you for this felt safety already, and it becomes even more important at these
uncertain times.

Here are a few tips for staying connected with your child through traumatic events:

Open, honest, age-appropriate communication

Talk at key times –during commuting, dinner or at bedtime

Ask them how they are dealing with the news –don’t wait on them to talk about it

To take care of your child, you will need to take good care of yourself

Keep routine schedules

Make time for exercise and fun family activities

These are just a few tips for helping your child through a traumatic event. If you or your child feel stuck, reach out to your support system and talk
to a close friend, relative, or pastor. If you’re overwhelmed and your daily routine is disrupted, it may be a good idea to consult with a mental health
professional.